I hope this doesn't come out unkindly--but some of you all have a lot of rules. :lol: P.S. ... not wash your hands in the kitchen sink. :huh:

I don't know if it will make you feel better but... I am notorious for my search of the perfect recipe. Once I think I have it--My dh usually pulls a can or box out and sticks it in the oven. Presto!!! He's quite sure they are as good or better than mine. He really truly believes that his quick cheesecake out of a box is superior to my homemade amazing cheesecake. His cheesecake is basically cheesecake flavored pudding. He, also, loves those biscuits in a can and believes they are just as good as homemade from scratch biscuits!!! :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: Tori P.S. This isn't meant as criticism of my husband. It's more of a gourmet loving foodie vs a creature that believes Steak -n- Shake is the best food on earth!

Those RAD kids--like they're a gang or something. I'm sorry but as an adoptive parent I found this offensive.

I love my NV!!! It drives well--even handles snow well. You can be very creative with the seat arrangement. Spend the money for the technology package as the back-up camera and navigation are awesome. It's very comfortable to drive and I would much rather take it than our luxury car. There are only a few places that I've found it difficult to navigate--mainly extremely crowded parking areas. Driving in the city isn't difficult once you get used to it. I like being able to see down crowded city interstates. It took a very short time to adjust to driving it. We bought it in St. Louis and by the time we were 45 minutes down the road we had adjusted to size and turn radius. I really can't think of anything I don't like about it. It is rear wheel so although it handles well in snow--don't expect it to handle like 4-wheel drive. Good luck and enjoy, Tori

Thank you. I understand the anxiety. It can feel crippling at times. :( Not knowing why must be very difficult. It sounds like your son has handled it very well. Your plans are very well thought out and educated. Tori

DP

Your whole family should be tested. The stroke is most probably related to the Factor V Leiden. One gene is not as dangerous as two but it's still something to be aware and informed about. Factor V Leiden can be greatly exacerbated by other issues such as weight, hydration, birth control,immune issues, and the list continues. All medicine, surgeries and treatment should be evaluated as to whether it could increase your risk of clotting. Factor V Leiden was official discovered in 1994 and many doctors are still clueless. My brother dropped dead in the middle of his living room at the age of 40. It was unbelievably devastating. Not to sound dramatic but this is nothing to mess with. Your family history is concerning --very concerning. They are finding that some families are more likely to throw a clot than others --even with only one gene. It could be that there are other mitigating factors but you have to be tested. If parents have even one gene --then children need to be tested. In the doctors office the first thing out of my mouth is… I have Factor V Leiden. The second thing is… My brother passed away from a blood clot. I mean to get their attention. I ask them to flag it in my file and then I keep repeating it every time I visit the doctor. Many doctors fail to realize the risk. God Bless! Tori

Magnesium and l-theanine. You might have to try a few types of magnesium to find one that's right for you. Some are too hard on your stomach or have a laxative effect. Also, eat 4 small carrots or 1 large carrot every day. The fiber in carrots has some hormone balancing effects. Sounds crazy but Google carrots and perimenopause. There's some interesting research out there.

Magnesium helps tremendously with that sort of thing. Do a search for it on these boards --there's some good info out there. Don't give up if you have stomach issues. Dose and the correct type for you are key.

Four of my six are new drivers or ready to get their permits. I can relate. They should have drivers courses with padded walls and other such safety measures. Every time your child makes it around the course once--mom gets a glass of wine. LOL.

My four year old cut a very long slash in the sofa--because her feet were cold and this let her stick her feet in. For years afterwards we made her recite a long monologue about appropriate use of scissors. She's an awesome kid--a leader on her gymnastics team and very well behaved. :D :D

As far as restaurants go, Kikos and Snoopy's have been around forever. I remember them both as being inexpensive and good. It's been a very long time since I lived there so you might want to check around. :-)

I like the Soma vanishing back bra. They come in front closure, wireless and underwire. They are very comfortable all around.

When I had 4 teenagers at the same time!! LOL

I put the hot water over the noodles, too. It's hard to get them cooked thoroughly otherwise. 😃